Sunderland fans: Want to play on the Stadium of Light pitch with your friends? Now's your chance

Ross Robertson

Sunderland fans can play on the same pitch as their footballing heroes as SAFC brings the special experience back to the Stadium of Light.

"Play on the Pitch 2016" gives fans the chance to live their dream and go behind the scenes at the stadium and play in a full 90-minute match of the beautiful game at the Stadium of Light.

The club said the event has previously proved extremely popular and is returning to the home of Sunderland AFC in 2016, where fans can take their place in the player’s dressing room and soak up the atmosphere before taking to the pitch.

A spokesman for the club said: "For £1500 + VAT per team, a squad of 18 will have use of SAFC’s dressing rooms, a warm up session on the pitch, and the added addition of a referee and linesman to make sure everything goes smoothly.

"In true matchday style a Man of the Match presentation will reward the stars of the day, each team will also have access to the Stadium’s Players’ Lounge and Quinn’s Sports Bar plus will receive a souvenir team photo to commemorate the day. A post-match players’ meal with bar facilities will then top off the memorable experience."

Advanced reservations for Play on the Pitch are now being taken. Call 0871 911 1555 or email conf&banq@safc.com.